[Pentoxifylline as adjuvant therapy of multiple organ failure]

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of pentoxifylline (POF) on cardiopulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction, 51 patients with sepsis were randomized to receive POF or saline solution as placebo. Continuous intravenous administration of POF beneficially influenced cardiopulmonary organ function without adverse effects. PO2/FiO2-ratio as parameter of pulmonary dysfunction was significantly improved in the second week after diagnosis while parameter of cardial function were significantly different in the initial phase of sepsis. The clinical efficacy of POF in terms of organ dysfunction, however, did not result in improved survival.